Voted "Teacher of the Year" by the Autism Society of America, Toni Flowers has more than 20 years of experience teaching individuals with autism. She believes all children benefit from art because it encourages creativity. As a result, children with autism may find a form of expression when they've been handicapped by delayed and/or disturbed language skills and/or abnormal sensory response.
Art leads the child in a positive direction and helps in the development of a positive self image. Art also helps to develop figure ground discrimination, concept development, spatial relationships, form discrimination, sequencing fine motor skills, eye contact, directionality, cause and effect, body in space, perceptual motor skills, tactile/kinesthetic awareness, attention span, pride in accomplishment, and an appreciation of beauty in the environment.
Art as the author perceives it does not always result in "something to take home". When there is a finished product, it is for the pride of both the parent and child. The act of doing is for the enjoyment and development of the child alone. |
Storybooks